JTF Seizes $300m Suspected Stolen Crude in Delta Operation

A major anti-oil theft operation in the Niger Delta has led to the interception of vessels carrying suspected stolen crude valued at about $300 million. The Joint Task Force (JTF) South-South, operating under Operation Delta Safe, carried out the seizure as part of intensified efforts to curb illegal bunkering and protect Nigeria’s oil resources.

Security authorities say efforts are underway to trace the origin of the crude and identify those behind the operation. Investigations have been expanded to uncover the network facilitating the illicit trade, with indications that more arrests may follow as the probe deepens. The Nigerian Television Authority also reported on the development.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy revealed that it recovered 531,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in 183 separate operations between January and March 2026. Eighteen suspects were arrested in connection with oil theft and other maritime-related offences during the period, with February accounting for the highest volume of recoveries.

The Navy added that operations across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States yielded significant results, including the interception of an 18-tonne barge and the discovery of a 96,000-litre illegal wellhead. Raids conducted in Warri South-West, Oteghele Creek, Ogbe-Ijoh, Alakiri River, and the Ogbia/Egbema/Ndoni axis also led to the dismantling of illegal refinery sites, storage facilities, vessels, and pipeline connections, alongside the arrest of additional suspects.